Installing Cavity Wall Insulation in the Workplace
1.3 Describe the organisational procedures developed to report and rectify inappropriate information and unsuitable resources and how they are implemented.
The procedures to report and rectify information that is not helpful or unsuitable resources are to inform the foreman or supervisor, as he will tell the bosses about it if something needs to be done, and inform your sit toolbox talks where vital information can be shared if necessary. They are implemented on the site by all employees being aware they have responsibilities they should know about, and all staff on site are trained, which means they see the site rules and regulations. Access to organisational procedures is the individual’s responsibility and the foreman’s.
1.4 Describe different types of information, their source and how they are interpreted in relation to:
Drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments, manufacturers’ information and regulations governing buildings.
Information to employees is available in many forms, Drawings, and specifications to guide the employee on how the job is required to be completed and what tools will be required. It may also have a time scale or a schedule, often found in emails, to keep jobs on track.
The current legislation for site managers should be available in folders on site, but it can also be found online on the HSE website and is in place to keep everybody safe on site. Employees should also be responsible for knowing where it can be seen and know the relevant legislation.
Any manufacturer’s information should be found with the product, which is often delivered to the site, and the instructions and information should be followed to ensure the job is carried out productively and successfully so there is minimised risk involved.
Method statements should be in the site office and can be found online in the form of an email. They should be made available to employees before they start a job and agreed. They are to identify risks that the job could entail.
Risk assessments are carried out if any risks can be identified. Sites will have common risks and specified risks to each site. They are to identify risks and put a plan in place to ensure the person carrying out the job Is protected from any risks. Also, they should keep other people on site and visitors. They are usually kept in folders on-site in the office. Everyone should know how to get hold of the risk assessments.
Building regulations govern the structure of the building, and they are incorporated into the specifications and drawings. They state how the building should be built to ensure it is structurally safe and healthy to live and use. The local council building offices can provide you with the building regulations. You can phone the building control office or email to get advice.
2.1 Describe their responsibilities regarding potential accidents, health hazards and the environment whilst working:
– in the workplace, below ground level, in confined spaces, at height, with tools and equipment, with materials and substances, with movement/storage of materials and by manual handling and mechanical lifting.
HASAWA (Health and Safety at Work Act)-the Health and Safety at Work Act states that everyone in the work environment has a reasonability to look after themselves and others’- safety and well-being. The Health and Safety at Work Act gives guidelines to other legislations and regulations on how to work safely.
CSR (confined spaces regulations)-When working in an enclosed space, you should avoid working in confined spaces (e.g., by working outside). Secondly, you should follow a safe work system from a risk assessment and method statement when working in a confined space. Furthermore, all employees should be competent to work in this environment. Finally, when working in an enclosed space, you should have appropriate emergency arrangements in a ventilated area.
WAHR (working at height regulations)-when working at a height, you should first again try to avoid working at height in the first place. Secondly, if you have to work at a height, you should make you have a safe system of work by using a risk assessment and method system to plan your work and use appropriate access equipment and any PPE required. Finally, you need to be competent when working at heights.
PUWER-(provision of the use of work equipment regulations)-this regulation makes sure every occupant is trained and competent to use power tools safely
COSHH-(control of substances hazardous to health)- this regulation states that everyone should depose all waste correctly so people and the environment do not get harmed
MHOR -(manual handling operations regulations)-this regulation gives you guidelines on how to move resources to prevent injuries safely.
Controlled measures prevent people from injuries, keep them safe and comply with all regulations. All employees should be given site induction, toolbox talks, appropriate training, risk assessment, and method statements to help them work safely.
2.2 Describe the organisational security procedures for tools, equipment and personal belongings concerning the site, workplace, company and operative/technician.
The company should cover site security; if the risks remain at night, night site operatives should be employed. The company should provide lock boxes, be insured for theft and be used by employees overnight so the tools are secure; any equipment should be stored in their correct boxes and the lockbox or container. Any personal belongings should be stored safely out of the way to minimise the risk of being taken. Also, at the end of the day, the site should be locked securely, with gates and keys kept by one person, such as the foreman or boss.
2.3 Explain what the accident reporting procedures are and who is responsible for making the reports.
When an injury occurs, person must report to site foreman and should be noted in accident book. If injuries can be attended to on site, then the first aider should be called to deal with the situation. If the injury is serious then ambulance should be called, A&E may be required. After, measures should be put in place, so the same injury can try to be prevented. You should also report near misses to prevent and accident happening.
3.3 Explain why and when health and safety control equipment, identified by the principles of protection, should be used, relating to erecting masonry structures, and the types, purpose and limitations of each type, the work situation and general work environment, in relation to: – collective protective measures – personal protective equipment (PPE) – respiratory protective equipment (RPE) – local exhaust ventilation (LEV).
Collective protective measures:
Collective protective measures are put in place to protect everyone on site from hazards, examples of these measures are barriers around an area of work to prevent damage to work and to warn of any possible danger, another is the use of appropriate PPE whilst working, also all working platforms should be checked before use to ensure that they are stable and suitable to work on such as checking the boards of a scaffold to see if there are any trap ends to be aware of and corrected for use. as a collective these risks and many more should be written down into a risk assessment so that measures can be put in place. Other such collective measures are Risk assessments
COSHH assessments
Site induction
Tool box talks
Method statements
Poster boards
Signs mandatory prohibition and hazard warning.
Designated walk ways no go areas
Hand rails
Hoarding and fencing
Extraction systems.
Fall protection nets and inflatable systems
The limitations of these are people forget or do not listen to toolbox talks, do not read signs and remove barriers and not replace them. Damaged protection is sometimes not immediately reported.
Personal protective equipment:
Personal protective equipment will assist in preventing injury to your body. It will have its limitations in protecting you. There is only so much pressure safety boots and helmets can take when protecting you. Personal protective equipment should always be used when needed and when required too, for example a hi-vis must always be worn on site because your more visible within the surrounding area and therefore less likely to be hit by work machinery / vehicles etc, safety helmets are also a requirement when working on site to protect from any possible accidents damaging your head. Steel toe caps must always be worn too as they protect you from damage to your feet if accidents where heavy / sharp items manage to connect with them, other personal protective equipment like ear defenders, barrier cream, sun cream, goggles, gloves, overalls, knee pads and dusts masks are to be used when needed to suit your working environment. All will wear out and need replacing and using any damage PPE is not safe as with using scratched goggles or worn gloves can in itself be hazardous.
Respiratory protective equipment:
Respiratory protective equipment such as dust masks should be worn either when mixing, hacking off walls or in dusty environments to protect you from the inhalation of harmful dust. Or using grinder with no dust suspension system. Beards or stubble limit the effectiveness of the mask.
Local exhaust ventilation:
If dust cannot be removed or controlled in any other way your may require you to use a local exhaust ventilation (LEV). This is a ventilation system that removes air born contaminants out of the air making it easier to breath. It needs maintenance and may fail. You will still need masks if working in a dusty environment.
3.4 Describe how the relevant health and safety control equipment should be used in accordance with the given working instructions.
All health and safety control equipment come with manufactures use guidelines and instructions on how to use the equipment safely and effectively. These should be followed at all times. Any instructions should be available to anybody on site who is to use the equipment. But anyone who uses it should also have adequate training for the equipment and should know how to use it correctly. If they are unsure on how to use it or instructions are not available, they should ask someone who can get the instructions or someone who knows how to use it correctly.
3.5 Describe how emergencies should be responded to in accordance with organisational authorisation and personal skills when involved with fires, spillages, injuries and other task-related hazards.
If there is a fire the first thing that should be done is the alarm should be raised, then the fire should be tackled with the appropriate fire extinguisher if it will make a difference. If you hear the alarm, then you should go to your nearest fire exit and leave all tools and equipment. Everyone should end up at the fire assembly point.
If spillages are found or occur, ensure you are aware of what the substance is and if you are able to clear it up the appropriate cleaning substance. You should make sure the area is safe and if the floor is wet then ensure the wet floor sign is up. Also find where the spillage if from to prevent the leak continuing. If the spillage is too big or a chemical which you shouldn’t touch, then you should notify the site foreman or boss.
If an accident occurs in the workplace you should inform the sites first aider. If the injury is serious, you should stay with the injured person and have someone else ring the ambulance. Any accidents should be reported in the accident book and ensure the foreman is informed.
4.2 Describe the characteristics, quality, uses, sustainability, limitations and defects associated with the resources in relation to:
– protective sheeting, warning signs, temporary barriers, airway sleeves, cavity barriers, mortar mix, insulation
– hand tools, portable power tools and installation equipment.
Protective sheeting comes in various forms. Plastic reinforces tarpaulin to cotton plastic coated sheeting often this is used in doors. Adhesive carpet sheeting adheres to the carpet to protect it but can only be used once. Tarpaulin can be used numerous times and cleaned down. Cotton sheets can be washed and reused.
Cones are to control traffic, they come in various colours and sizes. They have reflective covers to make them seen in when lights are shone on them. The are light and easily moved about when needed to. They can be reused many times but often get damaged with motor traffic. Many of them can be stored in a relatively small area compared to other methods of barriers.
There are two types of tape retractable that can be used in conjunction with the cones up to 3 metres apart. They will come in various colours and with written warnings. Will be reused if maintained and used correctly. Disposable warning tapes again come in various colours and warnings only used the once and disposed of.
Temporary fence panels sit in rubber block or concrete fence feet and the fence panels are connected to one another using fence clips.
Airway sleeves are built into the cavity walling to provide ventilation into the building. These in old houses can be cast iron or clay but more modern housing they are plastic with screen cover. Cavity barriers are positioned in new housing to prevent the spread of fire. They are built in as work proceeds and form a barrier across the cavity from the inner skin to the outer creating the fire barrier.
When reinstating the brick joints or render you will need to make a mortar mix to match the existing materials. This is difficult to match existing colour. Follow the specification to mix the ratio of sand to cement and additive to a workable consistency.
Mineral wool. The material also is water resistant and prevents moisture driven by rain which usually gets though the outer leaf of the wall to reach the inside leaf of the building. If saturated with water it loses its ability to insulate. Some mineral wool has been known to settle over time, creating air pockets at the top of the walls.
Polystyrene beads or granules are effective insulators as they trap heat very efficiently and create gap-free wall insulation. However, loose granules have been known to escape through airbricks and can gush out if you ever need to have work done that involves drilling or cutting into the wall.
Urea formaldehyde foam offers the best thermal cavity wall insulation, but installation is tricky and needs expert attention, and some foams have been known to degrade in the long term. Smaller holes are required in the walls to pump in. Polyurethane foam is used as both a cavity insulation material and a material to stabilize the wall structure where the wall ties have began to fail.
Battery drills and masonry bits are used to drill hole for access to the cavity. These run low and requires them to be fully charged. A pointing trowel is used to repair the joints afterwards in brickwork. Paint brush can be used to paint over painted render to match up the holes. Colour matches can be difficult.
Installation equipment varies in capacity and complexity, depending on the insulation being installed. It should only be used after training of the operator. The correct equipment needs to be used to meet the insulation specification. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use maintenance and cleaning and storage. Follow the guidance for testing the insulation density output, to ensure the equipment is set up correctly to provide the specified density when in situ in the cavity.
4.3 Describe how the resources should be used correctly and how problems associated with the resources are reported.
Resources should be used in accordance with manufactures instructions, so they are assembly correctly and safely and if there are problems with resources then the foreman or boss should have informed so they can sort the problems out.
4.4 Explain why the organisational procedures have been developed and how they are used for the selection of required resources.
Organisational procedures are in place to ensure material is selected and controlled to prevent theft. Also, when ordering, you should over order by about 10% if possible so if there are things may go wrong wrong and to maintain productivity. Also, there will be enough materials for the job. On some sites you must get a requisition order and sign the materials out of the secure compound.
4.5 Describe any potential hazards associated with the resources and method of work.
Some potential hazards in the workplace with resources and methods of work include injury from tools, falls, trips and slips from risk on site, lifting injuries from incorrect lifting technique. Exposure to hazardous substance is another one associated to asbestos and materials.
4.6 Describe how to calculate quantity, density, area and wastage associated with the method/procedure to install cavity wall insulation.
To calculate the quantity the volume of the cavity must be established. This is done by measuring the length and width of the walls of the house. Then the areas of windows and doors. Subtract the areas of windows and doors from the walls.
The volume of the cavity will then need to be established. To know this you must find the cavity width. The area of the walls is multiplied by the width of the cavity to establish the meters cubed volume.
Density is established by the weight ( Kg mass) divided by the volume ( m3 ).
The density (kg/m3) of the product is given by the manufacturer when the product is installed in position e.g 15kg/m3 .
You can work out the quantity mass i.e kgs required. By multiplying the volume of the cavity by the density specified by the manufacturer. Then divide that result by the weight of the insulation bags to calculate the number of insulating bags of material you need. Add to the quantity 5% waste.
Area of walls m2 =length X height
Volume of cavity m3 = length X height X width
Density kg/m3 = Mass /Volume
5.4. Describe how to protect work from damage and the purpose of protection in relation to general workplace activities, other occupations and adverse weather conditions
You can protect floor using sheeting and tarpaulin internally and externally. Ridged boards or planks may be need on soft planted gardens. To prevent damage to facework drill in bottom of the perps and in the beds of blockwork to prevent spalling in cavity. Do not drill into decorative features. Repointing will need to be protected from the weather to prevent running and stains and cover over in frosty weather.
5.5. Explain why the disposal of waste should be carried out safely following environmental responsibilities, organisational procedures, manufacturers’ information, statutory regulations and official guidance.
Waste disposal should be carried out properly and safely, the correct skips for recycling waste should be used, all the waste should be stored safely and securely until collected. Also placing the waste in the correct skips will help protect the environment and ensuring it doesn’t blow everywhere is vital. Tarpaulin over the top to keep it in the skip to keep content in during high winds. Make sure waste is moved using the correct PPE and lifting aids following manufactures
information so you and everyone on site can avoid being injured when moving the waste. The disposal of
waste has to comply with the statutory regulation so there should be different skips for different type of waste. For example, there should be different skips of packaging waste which is generally plastic and another skip for timber waste. Official guidance from HSE says that’s the site should be kept in good order so tidy and clean. They also say there should be storage areas and pedestrian routes, and flammable materials should be kept separate from other waste.
6.2 Describe the purpose of the work programme and explain why deadlines should be kept in relation to:
– types of progress charts, timetables and estimated times
– organisational procedures for reporting circumstances which will affect the work programme.
A work programme or Gantt chart shows when certain jobs should take place and their timescales, so the job stays on track for the completion date.
Progress charts are for showing the start and finish date and times of jobs, it is to make sure jobs don’t take longer than they should. The building contractor must provide these charts for the builders. If there is no progress plan it would be hard to manage the work as no one would understand the scheduling of events to ensure completion.
Timetables are similar to work programmes, they show when jobs should happen and how long they should take if there is nothing to stop it. The estimated times are how long the jobs are predicted to take, such as all the second fix carpentry should take 3 weeks to complete. Without the timetables and estimated times, nobody would know how long the jobs would take, and therefore, there would be no finish date for the entire job, so it would be hard to judge for people to price up to do the jobs.
7.5 Describe how to apply safe, healthy and environmental work practices, follow procedures, report problems and establish the authority needed to rectify them, to:
– carry out external and internal pre-installation checks to include structural integrity, dampness, exposure ratings, vents, services (gas, electric, water, media cables)
– understand the implications of existing guarantees and warranties
– install cavity wall insulation from inside and outside of a building, including lance techniques
– identify insulation materials and their characteristics
– ensure pre-installation material checks are within specified parameters
– assemble, operate, clean and disassemble installation processing equipment
– calibrate equipment to measure density, flow and quality tests
– drill holes in patterns
– fit cavity barriers
– fill holes with matching and suitable materials.
– complete post installation checks
– check construction ventilation, flues, chimneys and combustion air ventilators pre and post-installation
– recognise when specialist skills and knowledge are required and report accordingly
– recognise specific requirements for structures of special interest, traditional construction (pre 1919), hard-to-treat buildings, and historical significance.
When working on cavity walling or anywhere on site I would wear my PPE hard hat high viz and helmet and safety boots to the site rules and if using power tools, use ear defenders and goggles as well. I would use hand tools and power tools to the manufacturer’s instructions. Any hazard I would stop work and inform my supervisor. When working at height I would always have three points of contact on access equipment and use harness if it’s the rules. Any hazard I would report to my supervisor and stop work until advised the area was safe or given permission to rectify them. I must not put myself in danger or others. I would use all tools and equipment as explained in the risk assessment and manufacturer’s instructions.
7.6. Describe how to apply safe, healthy and environmental work practices, follow procedures, report problems and establish the authority needed to rectify them to:
– use hand tools, portable power tools and installation/ancillary equipment
– work at height
– use access equipment and work platforms.
When working on cavity walling or anywhere on site I would wear my PPE hard hat high viz and helmet and safety boots to the site rules and if using power tools use ear defenders and goggles as well. I would use hand tools and power tools to the manufacturer’s instructions. Any hazard I would stop work and inform my supervisor. When working at height I would always have three points of contact on access equipment and use harness if it’s the rules. Any hazard I would report to my supervisor and stop work until advised the area was safe or given permission to rectify them. I must not put myself in danger or others. I would use all tools and equipment as explained in risk assessment and manufacturer’s instructions.
7.7. Describe the needs of other occupations and how to effectively communicate within a team when installing cavity wall insulation.
As a insulator the other occupations will need to communicate with are scaffolders to ensure the scaffold is complete and safe and time scales of my work and theirs. The same applies with carpenters they will want to know when we will be ready for them to do their bit. Also, groundworkers they may be laying drains into footings and we need to talk when were are ready and completed so they can move in. Communicating helps the construction flow by co ordinating activities and prevents accidents from people working too close.
7.7. Describe how to maintain the tools and equipment used when installing cavity wall insulation.
Tools and equipment should be kept clean and maintained, used and stored to the manufacture’s instruction. End of each shift completely clean down the systems and tubing as the manufacturer prescribes.
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